Principles met

  • We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
  • We will explore ways for councils to act as a platform for helping the community to contribute to local outcomes, and to re-think the role of councillors as community connectors, brokers and leaders.
  • We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.
  • We will capture and ‘expand’ the experience and learning from individual projects and approaches in order to encourage broader application of co-operative principles within individual member Councils and across the Network.
  • We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.
  • In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

In April 2019, following concerns raised in Southwick (ward within Sunderland) by local councillors, a multi-agency partnership was created. City Partners agreed to a targeted piece of place-based work across 12 streets in the Southwick ward area. An action plan was developed focusing on education, prevention and enforcement. Community engagement needed to be a strong part of the plan, as Sunderland Council were concerned that residents had lost confidence in reporting issues to services, or indeed knowing who to report to.

Sunderland Council and their partners also acknowledged that there was a range of other factors affecting the community and neighbourhood.

  • Anti-social behaviour and crime
  • Unemployment
  • Low Income
  • Poor housing standards
  • Health issues

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